PAL participation gives teenager a chance to lead
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

Jaime Szyarto

HOWELL - Howell High School senior Jaime Szyarto, 17, has been named the National PAL Female Youth of the Year in recognition of her efforts to assist the Howell PAL in its attempt to prevent juvenile crime by engaging youths in athletics and other activities.

PAL is the National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues. It is a juvenile crime prevention program that uses educational, athletic and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and youths.

The program is based on the conviction that young people, if they are reached early enough, can develop strong positive attitudes toward police officers in their journey toward the goal of maturity and good citizenship, according to information provided by the PAL's Internet Web site.

Jaime, who lives in Howell, explained that she got involved with the organization after Howell police Sgt. Chris Hill, the community services director of the Howell Police Department's PAL, invited her to a Youth Leadership Council at the National PAL in Washington, D.C.

After that, Jaime said, she attended a few meetings of the group and has been active in the organization ever since.

Jaime said PAL has become part of her life and that her participation in the organization has allowed her to serve her community, become a more organized person and helped her to gain communication skills.

One of the most important perks that comes with being a member of PAL is a good reputation.

"Being a member of PAL gives you a good name. When people hear that they know you are a good kid," Jaime said, adding that being a part of PAL can help foster a greater appreciation for law enforcement. "When some people see a cop they become apprehensive. However, when I see an officer I always try to talk to him. People think police officers are bad, but once you get to know them you realize they are here to help."

The Howell senior said she would encourage all youngsters to join their local PAL. She said participants get to travel, take part in community service and learn leadership skills.

Jaime received a $2,500 scholarship from award sponsor East Side Entrees to contribute toward her college tuition next year at Rider University, Lawrenceville, where she plans to study public relations and business administration.

East Side Entrees is a New York-based supplier of nutritious food products to schools and community organizations nationwide and their sponsorship of this award is part of a larger partnership with National PAL to promote and facilitate nutritious meals for youths.

Howell Patrolman John Louhier, the school resource officer, said, "When we need something done we tell Jaime and it gets done. She is absolutely a great kid and I can't think of anyone else more deserving."

Hill shares the same sentiments and said Jaime is a "go-getter who gets the job done. She's been making a difference ever since she has been involved in PAL."

The national winners attended the PAL annual conference awards banquet on May 31 in San Antonio, Texas.